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Today, U.S. Depart of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao released the DoT and National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s new guidelines for automated driving systems. This is version 2.0 of a federal policy on self-driving cars, and Chao said it’s a “living document,” with plans already for version 3.0 to arrive in 2018.

These guidelines are called “A Vision for Safety 2.0,” which Chao says reflects their importance in terms of addressing the rising rate of traffic deaths in the U.S. Chao cited the most recent stats, which include the stat that 94 percent of serious motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. are due to human error, in presenting the new guidelines at an event today.

The new guidelines are designed to unify development of automation features, including full autonomy and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and to help unify industry, local, state and federal government efforts to that end. It’s voluntary guidance, but it focuses on SAE Levels 3 through 5 automation, and it clarifies that companies don’t need to wait to begin testing and deploying their automated driving systems, and streamlines the self-assessment process for companies and organizations.

Basically, it sounds like industry got a lot of what it was asking for here, with streamlined processes and fewer barriers to get testing.

“Creativity and innovation are part of the great genius of our country, America,” Chao said. “It is one of America’s hallmarks, and it is envied throughout the world.” She added that it’s the responsibility of policy makers in the U.S. to safeguard this reputation.

“Our goal[…] is to help usher in this new era of transportation, innovation and safety, ensuring that our country remains a global leader in autonomous vehicle technology,” Chao added.

The full document is below. We’ll have follow-up analysis coverage once we’ve been able to review the new guidelines in more detail:

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Crunchbase

OverviewThe United States Department of Transportation (USDOT or just DOT) is a federal Cabinet department of the United States government concerned with transportation. It was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966 and began operation on April 1, 1967. It is administered by the United States Secretary of Transportation.
The mission of the Department is to:
Serve the United States by ensuring …